Illustr8tive Mind
Jen's studio art, illustration, and craft projects are made for the purposes of personal growth, edification, and self-expression. Beginning with the oldest cave paintings over 40,000 years ago, the need to create and make has been among the most powerful catalysts for human development and civilization.
Artistic introspection is an exceptionally effective way for us to understand ourselves and others. When we attempt to avoid challenge and discomfort, and instead turn to easy and fast results such as those offered by generative-AI, we are really avoiding and harming ourselves. We risk losing our humanity.
Jen's work is 100% human-made, and they eschew the use of generative-AI across all areas of their life. Supplemental work-in-progress documentation has been included with many projects here. Additional work-in-progress photos and videos can be found on Jen's YouTube and Patreon accounts.
For the full portfolio and scope of Jen's work as Creative Director for the Minnesota Comic Book Association (MNCBA), please visit the origanization's website.
Drawings
25 June 2025Standalone illustrations and drawing-centred projects in traditional, digital, and combined/mixed media. Favourite media include India ink, coloured pencils, and watercolour paints on hot press 140lb cotton paper stock.
Cartoons and Comics
25 June 2025Cartoons and comic illustrations usually sketched with graphite and/or coloured pencil, scanned, and then edited, inked, and coloured digitally. Clip Studio Paint is used mainly for inking, with Adobe Photoshop for colours.
Graphic Design and Logos
25 June 2025Digitally-created graphic design and logos for branding purposes and simple merchandise such as buttons, stickers, and T-shirts. Most artwork here is available to purchase on a variety of products in my TeePublic store.
Collage, Decoupage, and Multimedia
25 June 2025Sometimes one just needs to glue stuff to other stuff. Assorted mixed media projects using new, reclaimed, and upcycled materials. May also incorporate elements of Jen's original painting and drawing work.
General Crafts
28 June 2025Assorted textile projects such as decorative art and clothing using new, reclaimed, and upcycled materials. Also includes other miscellaneous handicraft activities, such as sculpture, that Jen engages in only occasionally as time allows.
Jewelry
25 June 2025Coordinating jewelry sets including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings designed and assembled from pre-fabricated beads, charms, and findings, with some knotting and/or wire work. Not for sale. Jen creates the sets as gifts only.
Floral Design
27 June 2025You may have noticed flowers are a common theme throughout Jen's artwork and comics. This is the gallery for actual flower arranging; both real and artificial, which Jen enjoys as break from their routine once in a while.
